The Shipping Position at Lyttelton in 1859.

He estimated that the actual tonnage of goods carried between Lyttelton and Christchurch was about one-third less than the registered tonnage from Lyttelton, and two-thirds less from Christchurch, say a total of about 12,000 tons. This was about one ton per head of the whole population of the Province, and he would expect the same proportion in 1866. The imports and exports had increased in regular ratio during the last nine years. Taking account of immigration and trading prosperity, the population should be nearly doubled in 1866. Increase of population at places so far distant as Timaru would make little difference to the tonnage. A railway would cheapen the cost of goods and increase the facilities for page 42 trade, particularly in root crops. Potatoes had been destroyed by vessels being detained. He thought Kaiapoi would use water carriage. Small coastal vessels would still enter the Heathcote River rather than unload at Lyttelton, on account of the expenses of handling. About one-twelfth of the imported goods were consumed at Lyttelton. From his experience, Mr. Hamilton was of opinion that the Province could not yet bear the burden of the railway undertaking.